What Do Garden Snails Eat?

Garden snails, with their slow and deliberate pace, may not seem like formidable threats to your garden at first glance. However, these seemingly harmless creatures can quickly become a nuisance when they start munching their way through your beloved plants and crops.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the dietary habits of garden snails, exploring what they eat, which plants and crops they prefer, and how to prevent them from turning your garden into their personal buffet.

Are Snails Herbivores or Omnivores?

Garden snails fall under the category of mollusks, and while there are many species of snails, most of them are omnivores. This means they have a diverse diet that includes both plant and animal matter. However, many snail species predominantly adopt a herbivorous lifestyle and will only resort to consuming animal matter if necessary for survival.

The common garden snail, the species you are most likely to find in your garden, is primarily a herbivore. It tends to focus on plant matter, especially when plentiful and easily accessible.

Plant Parts That Attract Garden Snails

Snails are not picky eaters and will consume almost any part of a plant. They particularly favor leaves, stalks, and fruits, if present on the plant. Interestingly, snails tend to avoid flowers and show less interest in them compared to other parts of the plant. This sets them apart from another garden pest, the slug, which prefers decaying or dead plant matter.

Crops Prone to Snail Infestation

For gardeners and farmers, dealing with snail infestations can be challenging, especially when growing crops. Snails have a particular penchant for certain types of crops, making it crucial to be vigilant and take preventive measures. Here are some crops that are high on the snail’s menu:

1. Cabbage

Cabbage, a popular leafy green vegetable, is a favorite of both snails and slugs. With its tender leaves, cabbage presents an irresistible feast for snails. If you’re cultivating cabbage, it’s essential to protect your crop adequately from these ravenous gastropods to ensure a successful yield.

2. Strawberries

Sweet and succulent, strawberries are also a delicacy for garden snails. Snails primarily target the fruit, but they won’t hesitate to devour the stalks, leaves, and flowers if there’s nothing else readily available. To safeguard your strawberry plants, consider growing them in raised beds or elevated structures to deter snails’ easy access.

3. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another crop that snails find particularly delectable, especially when they are not fully grown. Snails prefer young and tender cucumber plants as they are easier to consume. Like strawberries, it’s advisable to elevate cucumber plants to protect them from snail attacks.

While the aforementioned crops are the snail’s favorites, it’s essential to remember that most crops are susceptible to slug and snail infestation. Thus, regardless of what you’re growing, staying vigilant and taking preventive measures is crucial.

Flowers That Attract Snails

Although snails seem to have a stronger affinity for crops, certain flowers are still on their radar. Here are some flowers that snails find quite appealing:

1. Hollyhock

Hollyhocks, with their tall spikes adorned with colorful blooms, are an eye-catching addition to any garden. Unfortunately, snails find them equally attractive. To protect your hollyhocks, consider creating barriers with gravel or repellent plants to deter snails from getting too close.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds have a peculiar effect of attracting snails, making them an ideal trap plant. Many gardeners use marigolds strategically to lure snails away from other plants, creating a natural defense mechanism.

3. Dandelions

While some consider dandelions as weeds, they can serve as an unintentional ally in your battle against snails. Snails are drawn to dandelions, so allowing a few to grow in your garden might divert the snails’ attention from your other precious plants.

Plants Snails Won’t Eat

Fortunately, not all plants are palatable to snails. Some plants have evolved specific attributes that deter snails from feeding on them. The two main reasons snails avoid certain plants are:

1. Smell

Flowers have evolved various scents to thrive and defend against pests. Some scents, like lavender, act as natural repellents for snails.

2. Texture

Plants with hairy or furry stems present a challenge for snails, preventing them from climbing and reaching the leaves. Geraniums are an excellent example of plants that have evolved to have textures that repel snails.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding what garden snails eat and their dietary preferences is essential for gardeners and farmers to protect their plants and crops effectively. While most snails lead a herbivorous lifestyle, they have a range of favorite crops and flowers they can’t resist. Being aware of their preferences allows us to make informed choices when planning our gardens and implementing preventive measures.

To maintain a thriving garden while keeping snails at bay, consider cultivating plant species that snails find less appetizing, strategically using trap plants, and implementing physical barriers to deter their access. By doing so, you can elevate your gardening prowess and ensure a beautiful, flourishing garden that stands tall above the competition.

So, if you’re determined to claim the title of a skilled and knowledgeable gardener, armed with this information, you can confidently embark on your journey to outwit those garden snails and create a garden that shines like no other.